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Arrested: Jessica J. Dutzi, age 31, of Stillwater Township, NJ. < Back Stillwater Township woman arrested for DWI Arrested: Jessica J. Dutzi, age 31, of Stillwater Township, NJ. Previous Next At approximately 2:05 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, August 18, 2012, Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray was assigned to traffic enforcement within Hampton Township. While patrolling that area, he observed a dark colored sport utility vehicle, operated by Jessica Dutzi, failing to maintain her lane of traffic. After initiating a motor vehicle stop, speaking with Dutzi, and observing her attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, Sergeant Gray found her to be intoxicated. Sergeant Gray took Dutzi into custody and transported her back to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where she was processed and released. She was issued summonses for the following offenses: reckless driving, failure to keep right, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended and obstruction Dutzi was released pending a September 5, 2012 court appearance in Hampton Township Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Officer’s Samantha Schilling and Sheriff’s Corporal Dan Storey assisted in the arrest.

A total of twenty-three individuals were arrested over the course of the three-day sweep. < Back Statewide nonsupport sweep final tally A total of twenty-three individuals were arrested over the course of the three-day sweep. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada today announced the final tally of arrests resulting from last week’s statewide child support sweep. All told, twenty-three individuals were arrested for non-payment of child support obligations during the three day operation. Previous news article about the sweep » Arrested Age Residence Dennis Tibus 43 Newton Thomas Scherzer 45 Stanhope Miguel Matos 28 Sussex Anthony Waldron 38 Frankford Eric Budinger 34 Hopatcong Thomas Steines 56 Newfoundland Robert Fernley 33 Ogdensburg Anthony Pakulnniewicz 43 Lake Hopatcong Daniel Biccum 53 Montague Douglas Deltufo 49 Budd Lake Alfred Davidson 30 Sussex Eric Bodle 35 Ogdensburg Robin Vance 50 Sussex Travis Kretzschmar 29 Sussex Kyle Davis 23 Green Michael Moeller 49 Hamburg William Demarest 42 Branchville Daniel Shaw 48 Franklin Richard Menagh 51 Morristown Stephen Rotella 53 Hewitt Larry Vansplinter 50 Haskell Bryan Kay 49 Landing Paul Alex, Sr. 52 Newton

Arrested: Shawn Guerrero, age 28, of Landing, NJ < Back Man arrested at courthouse in Newton Arrested: Shawn Guerrero, age 28, of Landing, NJ Previous Next On Friday, September 6, 2013, while assigned to courtroom security at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Robert Jacoby observed Shawn Guerrero. Believing Mr. Guerrero to be the subject of an outstanding Superior Court warrant, Officer Jacoby detained Mr. Guerrero until the warrant was confirmed. Upon confirmation, Officer Jacoby arrested Guerrero and transported him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Guerrero was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he remains incarcerated in lieu of $10,000 bail.

The shelter will be open for the duration of Hurricane Sandy as well as after the storm to assist our county residents. < Back County shelter to open The shelter will be open for the duration of Hurricane Sandy as well as after the storm to assist our county residents. Previous Next Sussex County Emergency Management Coordinator Sheriff Michael Strada and Sussex County Administrator John Eskilson have announced that the Sussex County Vo-Tech School will be open for any Sussex County resident with sheltering needs. The Vo-Tech school is located on Rt. 94 in Sparta Township and will be opening tonight, October 28, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Individuals utilizing the shelter are encouraged to bring their own toiletries, medications, blankets and snacks for themselves. We will have meals to provide individuals. The shelter will be domestic animal friendly, however, you will need to bring your own food for your pet and make sure your animals are leashed or in a crate. The shelter will be open for the duration of the storm as well as after the storm to assist our county residents. The shelter will be in operation 24-hours a day staffed by the American Red Cross, the Sussex County CERT team and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Please be safe and be careful.

CERT Join the Sussex County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and become better prepared to respond to emergency situations right here in your own community. Members of Sussex County’s CERT give critical support to first responders in emergencies, provide immediate assistance to victims, organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site, and collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts. CERT members receive training in the following areas: disaster preparedness disaster fire suppression medical operations light search and rescue operations disaster psychology and team organization terrorism and CERT disaster simulation Total basic training is usually about 24 hours, scheduled in 2-1/2 hour modules over a period of weeks. Training courses, materials and equipment are provided free of charge. To become a CERT member, you must be at least 18 years of age. For more information, contact CERT coordinator Eric Muller at 973.579.0380, ext. 2536. New Jersey Office of Emergency Management CERT web site »

Professional Standards The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for reviewing Sussex County Sheriff’s Office standard operating procedures that address applicable non-discriminatory policy, the law of arrest, search and seizure, motor vehicle stop enforcement activities, and any other policies deemed necessary to maintain or enhance the practices of the Sheriff’s Office. Data collection and documenting operations audits, including the achieving and maintaining the New Jersey State Chiefs of Police State accreditation certification are also under the purview of the unit. The unit is dedicated to serving the citizens of Sussex County by promoting the development and implementation of law enforcement policies and procedures. The process of collecting, analyzing and publishing data on law enforcement practice promotes departmental integrity and allows law enforcement agencies the ability to self-assess and to continue to promote effective and unbiased policing. Internal Affairs It is the policy of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to accept and investigate all complaints of agency and employee alleged misconduct or wrongdoing from any citizen, agency employee or any other sources, including anonymous sources. Following a thorough and impartial examination of the available factual information, a conclusion will be determined and the employee shall be either exonerated or held responsible for the alleged misconduct. Discipline shall be administered according to the degree of misconduct. Officers and employees, regardless of rank/position, shall be subject to disciplinary action for violating their oath and trust. Committing an offense punishable under the laws of the United States, the State of New Jersey, or county constitutes a violation of that oath and trust. Employees are also subject to disciplinary action for the willful or negligent failure to perform the duties of their rank or assignment. In addition, employees may be disciplined for violation of any rule or regulation of the agency or for failure to obey any lawful instruction, order, or command of a superior officer or supervisor. Disciplinary action in all matters will be determined based upon the merits of each case. Officers conducting the investigation of any allegation of misconduct shall strive to conduct a thorough and objective investigation respecting the rights of the principal, any other law enforcement officer, and all members of the public. Accordingly, any supervisor and any officer who may be called upon to conduct an internal investigation must be thoroughly familiar with the agency’s internal affairs policy. This policy has been developed in accordance with the New Jersey Attorney General’s guidelines on internal affairs. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact our Internal Affairs unit at 973.579.0850, ext. 2109. Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs 39 High Street Newton NJ 07860 Compliments and Complaints To effectively manage the performance of our officers, we like to be informed of any commendable conduct so that we can acknowledge them for a job well done and reinforce this kind of work performance. To submit a compliment, please utilize the “Contact Us” section at the bottom of any page. We treat all complaints equally regardless of whether or not they are filled out anonymously or with a name. However, please keep in mind that we can investigate best when we have all available information and have the ability to contact you with further questions, if needed. Internal Affairs Complaint Forms are available below in 11 different languages. Internal Affairs complaint forms may be submitted in person or by mail to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, 39 High Street, Newton NJ, 07860 during business hours. Alternatively, the complaint form may be submitted by calling (973) 579-0850 ext. 2109, or electronically via e-email to the Internal Affairs Unit here . Body Worn Cameras In compliance with the New Jersey Attorney General Issues Directive 2021-5 requiring notifying the public of the type of body cameras this agency is utilizing, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is currently utilizing Safe Fleet body worn cameras. See photographs below of our uniform as well as plain clothes officers. ComplimentsComplaints Public Announcement In compliance with Attorney General Grewal's Directive 2020-5 and Directive 2021-6 , which require law enforcement agencies to begin to publish, at least once a year, a brief synopsis of all complaints resulting in major discipline—defined as termination, reduction in rank or grade, and/or suspension of more than five days—including the names of the officers sanctioned, the Sussex County Sheriff's Office reports that no officers have received major discipline between June 15, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Downloads Internal Affairs Personnel Early Warning System Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy Interacting with the Immigrant Community Policy Recruitment and Diversity Plan 2025 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2025 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2024 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2024 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2023 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2023 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2022 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2022 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2021 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2021 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2020 Professional Standards Summary Report 2019 Professional Standards Summary Report 2018 Professional Standards Summary Report Complaint Forms: Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - English Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Arabic Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Chinese Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Haitian Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Hindi Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Korean Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Polish Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Portuguese Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Spanish Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Tagalog Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Vietnamese

Three recruits successfully graduated from the Morris County Police Academy. < Back Bureau of Law Enforcement welcomes three new officers Three recruits successfully graduated from the Morris County Police Academy. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of three sheriff’s officers from the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy’s 90th Basic Police Class. Steven Sugar is a 2006 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, a 10-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard and a lifelong resident of Sussex County. Locally, Officer Sugar has served as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) for many years. He currently serves as fire captain of the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company. Following a period of supervised field training, Officer Sugar will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Steven Kniedl is a 2006 graduate of the Sussex County Technical School and a United States Marine Corps veteran. Officer Kneidl also holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University. While attending the police academy, Officer Kneidl was awarded the 200 Club of Morris County Leadership Award as well as the New Jersey Police Training Commission Merit Award. Following a period of supervised field training, Officer Kneidl will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Joseph Decker is a 2009 graduate of Newton High School, a United States Marine Corps veteran and a lifelong resident of Sussex County. Officer Decker is currently attending Sussex County Community College where he is pursuing an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Following a period of supervised field training, Officer Decker will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Recently, at a small ceremony held at the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Strada greeted the new officers and administered the oath of office to each of them. Sheriff Strada joins the rest of the Bureau of Law Enforcement in welcoming these three new officers to the sheriff’s office and wishing them success in their careers. Sheriff Michael F. Strada welcomes three new officers.

Arrested: Michael Bollen, age 23, of Sussex, NJ. < Back Man arrested in probation department Arrested: Michael Bollen, age 23, of Sussex, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, February 20, 2013, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer Rob Jacoby was advised by probation staff of an outstanding warrant for Michael Bollen for violation of probation. After confirming the existence of the warrant, Sheriff’s Officer Jacoby placed Bollen under arrest and transported him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Bollen was processed and lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he remains without bail.

Arrested: Jennifer Heinzelman, age 28, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back Disorderly conduct at county office results in arrest Arrested: Jennifer Heinzelman, age 28, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, April 26, 2011, while assigned to the Division of Social Services offices in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Laver observed Jennifer Heinzelman shouting profanities at one of the staff members. Despite repeated requests for her to control herself, Heinzelman continued to verbally berate the staff. At the staff’s request, Sheriff’s Officer Laver instructed Heinzelman to leave the premises, to which she refused. Sheriff’s Officer Laver then attempted to place her into custody at which point she resisted arrest. Heinzelman was eventually taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. She was given summonses to appear in Newton Municipal Court and released.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run < Back SCSO Participates in Special Olympics Torch Run This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run Previous Next Early this morning, members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, as well as members of the greater Sussex County Law Enforcement community, joined the more than 3,000 officers that are taking to the streets of their local communities as “Guardians of the Flame” on one of 26 separate routes to help carry the "Flame of Hope” a distance of nearly 750 miles throughout the Garden State to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey. Although our members participate each year, this year is particularly special as it marks the 40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run. In 1982, the late Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Officer Steven Vitale was asked to take photos at a local Special Olympics competition in New Jersey. He was so moved by the determination exhibited by the athletes that he asked other police officers to volunteer at the Summer Games. In 1984, the first New Jersey Torch Run was conceived to raise funds and public awareness for the Special Olympics New Jersey program. The course ran from Liberty State Park in Jersey City to Rutgers Stadium in New Brunswick, through eight towns, covering 43 miles and raising $7,000. In each succeeding year, the dollar amount became greater and the number of volunteers increased substantially. Driven by the willingness of the New Jersey Law Enforcement officers to do more, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began to expand over the years. New fundraising events and initiatives were created and held throughout the Garden State to promote the Special Olympics movement. With over $4 million raised annually by more than 3,000 officers through local and statewide events, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey has been recognized in the world for many years as one of the top grassroots fundraising organizations for Special Olympics. Fundraising events that are conducted year-round in New Jersey include an Adopt-a-Cop campaign for the annual Torch Run, three Polar Bear Plunges, the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K, the United Airlines Plane Pull and golf outings to name a few. In addition to fundraising, Law Enforcement officers volunteer at athlete competitions and events year-round, while serving as ambassadors in local communities. This year’s Annual Torch Run will precede the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games taking place at the College of NJ campus in Ewing, NJ from June 9-11. For more information or to make a donation in support of Special Olympics New Jersey please visit their website at https://www.njtorchrun.org/ Sheriff Strada is immensely proud of all the participating officers and congratulates them on their involvement in this very worthy cause.

Arrested: Ryan Tucker, age 32, of Hardyston and Ryan Manca, age 30, of West Caldwell, NJ. < Back Sheriff's officers arrest two on outstanding warrants Arrested: Ryan Tucker, age 32, of Hardyston and Ryan Manca, age 30, of West Caldwell, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, November 27, 2012, while assigned to fugitive apprehension duties, Detective William Lunger and Sheriff’s Officer Chris Megna located Ryan Manca at his residence. Manca was the subject of an outstanding Sussex County Superior Court warrant. He was immediately taken into custody and transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he remains lodged without bail. That same day, sheriff’s officers John Freykar and Tim Hecht, also assigned to fugitive apprehension, located Ryan Tucker at his residence. Tucker was the subject of an outstanding Passaic County Superior Court warrant. He was immediately taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. He was subsequently turned over to the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office to be transported to the Passaic County Jail.

Officers and nurses act quickly to help inmate in cardiac distress. < Back Corrections personnel honored for saving inmate’s life Officers and nurses act quickly to help inmate in cardiac distress. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently recognized and awarded several members of the Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections with honors for their respective roles in saving the life of an inmate during a medical emergency. On the evening of May 8, 2015, corrections officers Brandon Fazio and Jeffrey Hilbert observed a prisoner who had collapsed and was unresponsive. They immediately contacted medical staff and ordered all inmates back to their cells. Sergeants Paul Reiher and Eric Groeger responded to their location along with nurses Jean Thompson and Cathy Toth. After determining the patient was in cardiac distress, Thompson and Toth began CPR. Corrections Officer Fazio and Sergeant Reiher began to prepare an Automated External Defibrillation device (AED) for use and, in conjunction with the medical staff performing CPR, delivered several rounds of defibrillation to the patient. The patient was ultimately airlifted to Morristown Memorial Hospital where he was placed on life support. For their actions in preserving the inmate’s life, Corrections Officer Brandon Fazio, Sergeant Paul Reiher, licensed practical nurse Jean Thompson and registered nurse Cathy Toth were presented with the Sheriff’s Life Saving Award while Sergeant Eric Groeger, Corrections Officer Jeffrey Hilbert and Corrections Officer Michael Scuzzese were presented with the Honorable Service Award. Sheriff Strada thanks each of the above named personnel for their diligence, initiative and rapid action while in the line of duty. Their successful efforts to save a person’s life reflect great credit upon themselves and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections as a whole. From left to right: Corrections Officer Brandon Fazio, Sergeant Paul Reiher, Sheriff Michael F. Strada, LPN Jean Thompson and RN Cathy Toth.